Category Archives: Second Amendment

Lack of communication on guns, disregard of, first, rule of law. and then of a faith tradition

At the conclusion of reading this article, my reaction was one of sadness. I believe this sadness resulted from three thoughts. First, I can remember my elementary school days when we practiced protecting ourselves from enemy air raids with convention/nuclear weapons. We had to get under our desks and close our eyes.

Fortunately, before I moved on to high school, these drills were no longer necessary. Unfortunately, today all schools must have active shooter procedures, which must be practiced. Also, unfortunately, the occurrences of active shooter incidents in schools and in our communities continue to increase. I do not profess to have the wisdom to know what we should change, but I am convinced nothing will change until we learn to talk to each other and respect each others viewpoints.

My second sadness is that my neighbors appear to be taking the perspective that any law passed by our legislature and signed by our governor can be disregarded by us and our Frederick County government. I am proud to be an American and to have served our great country in our military.

Our long-standing commitment to free election and peaceful transition of power (as embodied in our Constitution and Amendments) is the foundation upon which our democracy rests. The rule of law is also central to our system of government. We should not be rebelling against laws that have been or may be passed by our state legislature. That is the purpose of the court system. Also, the rebellious tone sends the wrong message to our children.

Finally, my greatness sadness is there is never a faith component to thesediscussions. Our Founding Fathers were men of faith. Yet, when we discuss important issues, we conveniently omit our faith traditions. These traditions form a moral compass upon which we should live our lives and make decisions. While the Scriptures of our major faith traditions do not address guns, they do provide a framework for living a moral life.

In the Christian faith tradition, which I practice, a central theme of the Gospel is Gods love for us and the love we should have for each other. I suspect many citizens who have signed the petition have also been raised in a faith tradition. I also suspect the moral compass provided in their Scriptures was not considered when they signed. Perhaps in future discussions on the 2nd Amendment, we can establish a common basis for an informed discussion by sharing with each other the foundation of our moral compass.

At the conclusion of the 1990 movie Ghost, the last thing Sam says to Molly as he leaves this world is: Its amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you. Love is the only thing we can take with us when we die. Lets include our love for each other in future discussions of the Second Amendment and all other contentious issues we must face.

Michael J. Conk is a resident of Frederick County.

Michael J. Conk is a resident

of Frederick County.

More here:
Open Forum: Response to Second Amendment Sanctuary - The Winchester Star

ROANOKE, Va. As more and more counties vote to become Second Amendment sanctuaries, weve compiled a list to help you keep track.

10 News talked with a Constitutional law professor to learn more about what it means to become a Second Amendment sanctuary.

To read the bills related to weapons, including guns, that will be discussed during Virginias 2020 legislative session, click here.

Counties/Cities Adopted:

Accomack County - Adopted on Dec. 18. 2019 (Slightly modified version)

Alleghany County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Amelia County - Adopted on Dec. 18, 2019

Amherst County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Appomattox County - Adopted on Nov. 18, 2019

Augusta County - Adopted on Dec. 4, 2019

Bath County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

Bedford County - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019

Bland County - Adopted on Nov. 26, 2019

Botetourt County - Adopted on Nov. 26, 2019

City of Bristol - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019 (Slightly modified version)

Brunswick County - Adopted on Dec. 11, 2019 (Confirmed with county administration)

Buchanan County - Adopted on Dec. 2, 2019

Buckingham County - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019

Campbell County - Adopted on Nov. 7, 2019

Caroline County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

Carroll County - Adopted on May 13, 2019

Charlotte County - Adopted Nov. 13, 2019

City of Chesapeake - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

City of Colonial Heights - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

City of Covington - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

Craig County - Adopted Dec. 5, 2019

Culpeper County - Adopted Dec. 3, 2019

Cumberland County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

Dickenson County - Adopted on Nov. 19, 2019

Dinwiddie County - Adopted on Nov. 20, 2019

Floyd County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

Fluvanna County - Adopted on Dec. 11, 2019

City of Franklin - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019

Franklin County - Adopted on Dec. 17, 2019

Frederick County - Adopted on Dec. 11, 2019

City of Galax - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019 (Slightly modified version)

Giles County - Adopted on Nov. 21, 2019

Gloucester County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Goochland County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Grayson County - Adopted on Dec. 12, 2019

Greene County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

Greensville County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Halifax County - Adopted on Dec. 2, 2019

Hanover County - Adopted on Dec. 11, 2019

Henrico County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019 (Slightly modified version)

Henry County - Adopted on Nov. 26, 2019

Isle of Wight County - Adopted on Dec. 12, 2019

James City County - Approved resolution to affirm its commitment to the constitutions of the United States and Virginia on Dec. 10, 2019

King and Queen County - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019 (Confirmed with county government)

King George County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

King William County - Adopted on Nov. 25, 2019

Lancaster County - Adopted on Dec. 12, 2019

Lee County - Adopted on Nov. 19, 2019

Louisa County - Adopted on Dec. 2, 2019

Lunenburg County - Adopted on Dec. 12, 2019 (Confirmed with county administration)

Mathews County - Adopted on Dec. 17, 2019

Madison County - Adopted on Nov. 26, 2019

City of Martinsville - Passed slightly modified resolution on Dec. 10, 2019

Mecklenburg County - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019

Middlesex County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Montgomery County - Adopted on Dec. 16, 2019 (Slightly modified version)

Nelson County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

New Kent County - Adopted on Nov. 27, 2019

Northampton County - Passed slightly modified resolution on Dec. 10, 2019

Northumberland County - Adopted on Dec. 12 (Confirmed with county administration)

City of Norton - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Nottoway County - Adopted on Nov. 21, 2019

Orange County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Page County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Patrick County - Adopted on Nov. 18, 2019

Pittsylvania County - Adopted on Nov. 19, 2019

City of Poquoson - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019

Powhatan County - Adopted on Nov. 25, 2019

Prince Edward County - Adopted on Dec. 17, 2019

Prince George County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

Prince William County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019 (Expected to be overturned by newly elected Board)

Pulaski County - Approved on Dec. 16, 2019

Rappahannock County - Adopted on Dec. 2, 2019

Richmond County - Adopted on Dec. 12, 2019 (Confirmed with county administration)

Roanoke County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Rockbridge County - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019

Rockingham County - Adopted on Dec. 11, 2019

Russell County - Adopted on Dec. 2, 2019

Scott County - Adopted on Dec. 4, 2019

Shenandoah County - Adopted on Dec. 9, 2019

Smyth County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

Southampton County - Adopted on Nov. 25, 2019

Spotsylvania County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019

Stafford County - Adopted on Dec. 17, 2019

Surry County - Adopted on Dec. 5, 2019

Sussex County - Adopted Nov. 21, 2019

Tazewell County - Adopted on Dec. 3, 2019

Warren County - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019 (Confirmed with county administration)

Washington County - Adopted on Nov. 26, 2019

Westmoreland County - Adopted on Dec. 11, 2019 (Confirmed with county administration)

Wise County - Adopted on Dec. 12, 2019

Wythe County - Adopted on Nov. 26, 2019

York County - Adopted on Dec. 17, 2019 (Constitutional County)

Towns Adopted:

Big Stone Gap - Adopted on Dec. 10, 2019 (Confirmed with town office)

Read the original:
List of Second Amendment sanctuaries in Virginia and where its being discussed - WSLS 10

December 18, 2019

Photo/Lawrence Emerson

Part of the crowd outside the Warren Green Buiding last Thursday, Dec. 12, during Second Amendment testimony before Fauquiers board of supervisors.

Board Chairman Chris Butler

By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)Staff Journalist

In response to testimony from 74 people at the boards Dec. 12 meeting and hundreds of emails, phone calls and personal conversations, the revised draft document declares Fauquier a Constitutional County.

> Resolution at bottom of story

Demanding tougher language and a more explicit endorsement of the Second Amendment, some critics called the previous version watered down.

No one at the four-hour-plus meeting last Thursday spoke in support of gun-law restrictions.

The board will vote on the revised document at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, in the Warren Green Building at 10 Hotel St. in Warrenton. The public will not be permitted to comment during the meeting.

Supervisors Chairman Chris Butler (Lee District) backs the resolution and expects the five-member board to approve it.

I think this will pass but wont speak for anyone, Mr. Butler wrote in a text Wednesday.

About 2,000 people gathered last Thursday outside the meeting to show their support to keep and bear arms.

The vast majority of speakers urged the supervisors to approve language designating Fauquier as either a Second Amendment sanctuary or a Constitutional County.

In defining a Second Amendment sanctuary, one speaker said Sheriff Bob Mosier wouldnt enforce unconstitutional laws and Commonwealths Attorney Scott C. Hook wouldnt prosecute those people in violation of such laws.

The board also wouldnt appropriate county funds to enforce them, the speaker told the board.

Fauquiers three-page resolution doesnt include such provisions.

Instead, it states that the board reaffirms its Oath of Office to support and defend the United States and Virginia Constitutions and stands as a Constitutional County with the overwhelming number of Constitutional and Sanctuary Counties across Virginia.

So far, more than 90 Virginia counties, cities and towns have adopted similar resolutions, according to published reports.

We took an oath to uphold the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions, Mr. Butler wrote in support of the Constitutional County resolution. We are bound by the four corners of both documents, not just the Second Amendment.

As I stated before, both documents are our sanctuary. We are stating we wont stand for any infringement of any right protected by these documents.

Fauquiers resolution also strongly condemns statements of the Governor and members of the General Assembly threatening to withhold funds to localities that support the constitutional rights of their citizens to keep and bear arms.

Gov. Ralph Northam (D) backs stricter gun laws, which the 2020 General Assembly will consider when it convenes a 60-day session Jan. 8.

On Nov. 5, Democrats won majorities in both the 100-member Virginia House of Delegates and 40-member Senate. Not since 1993 has the party controlled state government.

ContactDon Del RossoatDon@FauquierNow.comor 540-270-0300.

Resolution on Right to Bear... by Fauquier Now on Scribd

Member comments

maryjdkns@gmail.com December 21, 2019 at 8:20 pm

Yes I'm aware.. I assume you're aware that a majority of gun owners welcome responsible gun legislation not sure why anyone would object if in fact they want to use them for sensible purposes.

Constitutional Insurgent December 20, 2019 at 5:57 pm

On edit for clarity....not the legislation, but numerous bills across the country. Some passed and enforced, some successfully defeated or repealed.

Constitutional Insurgent December 20, 2019 at 5:05 pm

But yes, instead of mobilizing early in the face of un-Constitutional infringement....I'm sure that you would very much like us to wait.

We will not comply, and we will let that be known now, not after it's too late.

maryjdkns@gmail.com December 20, 2019 at 4:48 pm

Let's wait to see what the general assembly legislates. No previous legislation has ever entertained the idea of taking away the guns of law-abiding citizens.. This presumptive strike for a gun sanctuary is beyond idiotic.

bblimber December 20, 2019 at 4:31 pm

Well gee. We all know that a law will solve this problem, so why don't we just pass a law that it's illegal to kill someone. That way no matter how someone might chose to end someone else life, then at least they know the consequences gosh darn it!

Constitutional Insurgent December 20, 2019 at 2:58 pm

Constitutional Insurgent December 20, 2019 at 2:54 pm

And? It hasnt been in the interest of the gun control lobby to study defensive gun use......for a reason. Use Google, you get much the same from any reputable source.

Tony Bentley December 20, 2019 at 2:46 pm

Constitutional Insurgent December 20, 2019 at 2:04 pm

In 1996, 1997, and 1998, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted large-scale surveys asking about defensive gun use (DGU) in four to six states. Analysis of the raw data allows the estimation of the prevalence of DGU for those areas. Estimates based on CDCs surveys confirm estimates for the same sets of states based on data from the 1993 National Self-Defense Survey (Kleck and Gertz 1995). Extrapolated to the U.S. as a whole CDCs survey data imply that defensive uses of guns by crime victims are far more common than offensive uses by criminals. CDC has never reported these results.

Tony Bentley December 20, 2019 at 10:34 am

Can anyone give me the stats for how many lives guns have SAVED per year?

Gunner December 20, 2019 at 5:09 am

Actually, they are ridiculously easy to get...for criminals. That's the point in my view. The black market is one thing, but the dark web is a whole other ball of wax. You can buy d@*m near anything with no regulation or checks WHATSOEVER. And do it with crypto currency. Yet 'they' want to push more regulations and restrictions on the law abiding and strip us of the means to to protect ourselves. That is one major factor that is never really discussed by society and an inconvenient truth for the left they don't want to admit if they are actually aware of it.

Constitutional Insurgent December 19, 2019 at 11:46 am

But I do know this, continually infringing upon our Constitutional Rights and civil liberties, is not going to help.

Weapons aren't 'ridiculously' easy to get. Period. Contrary to absurd claims from the gun control lobby...I don't have to undergo near the time and labor for other lawful items, as I do for firearms.

Truepat December 19, 2019 at 10:42 am

It's not whether it can be fixed, it's all about those that don't want it fixed. The bright side is that the turn out all over Virginia in support of our Constitution shows that the "silent" majority are no longer silent. That's the last thing they thought would happen or wanted......

DonkeyFarmer December 19, 2019 at 9:45 am

Demo- I actually agree with everything you just wrote. Now how is banning a single type of rifle like an AR15 going to help?

Demosthenes December 19, 2019 at 8:33 am

I would agree that a lot of today's violence stems from a loss of stable families.

But assuming that is true, how do we fix the problem? Can you imagine a way to regulate happy and healthy families? Shall we pass a law requiring every family to have two happy and competent parents who sit down with the kids at dinnertime each night?

Should we mandate universal mental healthcare with regular assessment requirements? Would that even prevent the violence that is taking place now?

Sadly, I don't think government is capable of fixing broken families or broken young men.

But the government can create policies that prevent those broken young men from having ridiculously easy access to weapons.

Constitutional Insurgent December 19, 2019 at 7:44 am

That's exactly correct, Trupat. The breakdown of the family, coupled with the social media-ization...drive-by consumerism and a believed entitlement to instant gratification....are the true causes of any increased violence; not, as the gun control cabal would have one believe - the "easy availability of firearms".

Truepat December 19, 2019 at 6:43 am

The true unfortunate reason behind the majority of shootings was due to a break down in the family unit, you can research the conclusion of each case, I already know. I do find it interesting that the "gun advocates" ignore the fact that city gang violence such as Chicago kills hundreds a year but are never listed. DC is right there with them.

jim goodwin December 19, 2019 at 5:06 am

Glad to see the new language includes "self-defense", though I don't think it needs to be hyphenated.

DonkeyFarmer December 18, 2019 at 10:28 pm

*the *tied

DonkeyFarmer December 18, 2019 at 10:25 pm

The 2A sancuary movement might help to temper the gun control laws. But the real way to deal with this is to vote. Let three democrats overplay their hand, get tired up in court, then vote them out. Declaring yourself in violation of the law is not going to do much but make them dig in deeper.

Jim Griffin December 18, 2019 at 9:51 pm

Agreed, threaded the needle, just saying no to sanctuary is the right thing to do.

I want all my rights, 2A included, and the Rule of Law, though Jeffersonian American is likely more eager than ever to dissolve Fauquier County government. RGLJA is happy the resolution no longer mentions the sheriff (as it once did).

DonkeyFarmer made good suggestions about keeping guns from the wrong hands. Hope some of it becomes law.

Demosthenes December 18, 2019 at 9:37 pm

Alright Donkeyfarmer, let's see what happens. I'll buy you a drink sometime if you are right.

DonkeyFarmer December 18, 2019 at 9:35 pm

Demon- 2A supporters are not claiming any right is more important than another. You are simply making it up. Repeating your lie is not going to work.

Demosthenes December 18, 2019 at 8:55 pm

Next up: The 2A people will start beating a dead horse about how gun rights are more important than all other rights.

_()_/

philshea December 18, 2019 at 8:22 pm

1st amendment depends on the 2nd amendment. We know this is mostly symbolic, but so are "sanctuary cities," and looks how that has changed them.

bblimber December 18, 2019 at 7:07 pm

I beg to differ - they WILL exploit their power. Unless of course you hold to the arrogant notion that "we are more enlightened than past generations."

@twotterpilot: By the numbers, hardly a tidal wave. Now as for a true "...tidal wave of death and carnage" How about the one gratuitously promoted by the narrow, parochial interests of PPoA and it's allies.2015 638,169 2014 652,639 2013 664,435 2012 699,202 2011 730,322 2010 765,651 2009 789,507 2008 825,564 2007 827,609 2006 852,385 2005 820,151 2004 839,226 2003 848,163 2002 854,122 2001 853,485 2000 857,475 1999 861,789 Total: 13,379,894

Gunner December 18, 2019 at 4:38 pm

Just me, I see your statistics and raise you with genocide; horrific acts which statistically began with the disarming of the population.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_genocides_by_death_toll

But I'll make you a deal. Once you, and you desired 'leadership', can ensure repeat, violent offenders are kept of the street instead of repeatedly released back into society, eradicate innocent deaths due to drunk driving, wipe opioid deaths from the nation, generate absolutely perfect doctors who don't kill (for lack of a better word) patients through malpractice, and fill every pool in the nation with concrete, then I would be glad to talk about my guns. That is just a short, a very short, list of incidents that kill more people than active shooters. Do your research, apply critical thought. Don't act on emotion.

twotterpilot December 18, 2019 at 4:10 pm

Agreed, just me. The numbers speak for themselves. There will be more depressing statistics to add as common sense gun control legislation is thwarted by such resolutions, adding to the tidal wave of death and carnage promoted by the narrow, parochial interests of the NRA and it's allies.

Gunner December 18, 2019 at 2:59 pm

Just me, your point?

just me December 18, 2019 at 2:37 pm

April 1999 Colombine High School - 12March 2005 Red Lake Senior HS - 7October 2006 W. Nickel Mines School - 5April 2007 Virginia Tech -32April 2012 Oikos University - 7December 2012 Sandy Hook ES -26May 2014 UCSB - 6October 2015 Umpqua Community College - 10November 2017 Rancho Tehama ES - 5February 2018 Stoneman Douglas HS -17May 2018 Santa Fe HS -10

Truepat December 18, 2019 at 1:14 pm

Represent and stand with our fellow Virginians!!

Facebook comments

See the original post here:
Supervisors ready to adopt 2nd Amendment stance - Fauquier Now

To the editor A recent letter to the editor stated that "no one wants to take your guns." While this is technically correct, the liberal state governments are chipping away at our rights to gun ownership. An outright seizure of arms would be met with great resistance and outright disobedience, so they are making the ownership and use of firearms impossible.

It is important that the voters understand the purpose of the Second Amendment. It is not for hunting or self-protection, valid as those uses are. It is solely for the purpose of enabling the citizens to keep the government in control. All governments devolve into a totalitarian, self-serving entity. The war in Afghanistan has been the longest war America has fought. This proves that even the greatest military force on Earth cannot win against a population armed with small arms.

Any government will eventually go bad, and our forefathers knew this. The Second Amendment is crucial to the survival of this constitutional republic (not democracy as some have chosen to believe). When you vote, remember that your freedoms in this great country are in peril.

Continued here:
Letter: The Second Amendment is critical to this country's survival - Yakima Herald-Republic

Our sister station WCSJ reports that Grundy County residents could be voting on three referendum questions on the November 2020 Election ballot.

The Grundy County Board this week held a brief discussion regarding the three possible questions, which would include: shall Grundy County authorities assist the federal government when they are engaged in immigration-related enforcement activities?

The second question would consist of Shall Grundy County oppose the passage of any bill where the Illinois General Assembly desires to restrict the individual right of United States citizens as protected by the second amendment?

The last possible question would read Shall the unincorporated area of Grundy County allow the sale of adult use recreational cannabis?

Republican Grundy County Board Chairman Chris Balkema explained how the questions came about.

Law and Justice Committee Chairman and Democrat Jim Ryan had this question to which Balkema and County Administrator George Gray replied to.

Balkema said the County Board can have as many as three questions on the ballot.

He also said the language of each question could still be changed, but he is hoping they would be finalized in late spring.

More discussion on the questions will happen at the Law and Justice Committee in January.

See the rest here:
Second Amendment, Cannabis & Immigration Referendum Questions Could Be Placed on November 2020 Election Ballot in Grundy Co. - WspyNews

WINCHESTER More than 100 people crammed into City Council chambers and spilled into the lobby of Rouss City Hall on Tuesday to express their support for gun ownership.

"The right to possess this tool is given to me by both the U.S. and Virginia constitutions," said Frederick County resident Scott Wagner, who, like the majority of audience members in the gallery, wore an orange sticker that stated, "Guns Save Lives."

A push to preserve Americans' Second Amendment right to bear firearms has been occurring in recent weeks across Virginia, with advocates asking municipalities to declare themselves sanctuaries from stricter gun laws that are expected to be voted on by the state General Assembly when it convenes next month.

The Frederick County Board of Supervisors was expected to adopt a resolution Wednesday night opposing any law that infringes on the Second Amendment. The governing bodies of Winchester and Clarke County have not indicated if they plan to follow Frederick County's example.

City resident and Army veteran Brandon Angel rallied supporters of the Second Amendment to attend Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

"Virginia does not want these law passed; instead, it is the suburbs of [Washington] D.C.," Angel said as the crowd applauded. "Mental health is the biggest problem in this country, and gangs [are] a close second."

Frederick County resident Cory O'Donnell said the proposed gun laws could lead to government confiscation of legally owned firearms and munitions.

"All members of this council swore an oath to defend the constitution," O'Donnell told City Council.

After hearing from eight people who oppose Virginia's efforts to strengthen gun laws, Mayor David Smith closed the public comment portion of Tuesday's council meeting and did not ask if anyone else in the audience wished to speak.

Afterward, no one on City Council mentioned the Second Amendment sanctuary proposal, and there were no indications that Winchester would consider adopting a resolution similar to the one in Frederick County.

Also at Tuesday night's meeting and work session, City Council:

Attending Tuesday nights City Council meeting and work session in Rouss City Hall were Mayor and council President David Smith, Vice Mayor John Hill, Vice President Evan Clark and councilors Kim Herbstritt, John Willingham, Bill Wiley, Corey Sullivan, Judy McKiernan and Les Veach.

Read the original:
Speakers call on city to become 2nd Amendment sanctuary - The Winchester Star

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The Bible in its various forms has survived thousands of years without the help of the Second Amendment.

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OPINION

Timothy Troxler, Stuarts Draft Published 11:05 a.m. ET Dec. 12, 2019 | Updated 11:06 a.m. ET Dec. 12, 2019

As of last night, my county is a Second Amendment sanctuary. This is not surprising given that we're a big rural farming county. People made their voices heard, and the government responded. This is democracy in action.

What did surprise me was one local business owner stating "without the Second Amendment, we have no protection over Bibles". What a complete nonsense statement. The statement is completely ahistorical. The Bible in its various forms has survived thousands of years without the help of the Second Amendment.

The oral traditions survived Babylonian exile. In fact, this was a trigger for writing much of the Old Testament down.

The written traditions survived Hellenization. In fact, this was a trigger for translating the Old Testament into Greek.

The Bible not only survived the Roman Empire; it transformed the Roman Empire.

The Bible survived being stuck in Latin and survived the average person being illiterate.

The Bible has been through quite a lot without the help of our Constitution. To suggest the Second Amendment is the only protection for the Bible is one of the more arrogant statements I've ever heard. The best protection for the Bible is not to guard it with weapons; it is to give it away. Consider this: The root of evangelical means "good news."You don't protect good news by force; you protect good news by sharing it. Good news survives because it is like a wildfire in a drought - very tough to smother and it spreads all its own. So if you're using a gun to protect the Bible, I think you misunderstand how guns work and how the Bible works.

Read or Share this story: https://www.newsleader.com/story/opinion/readers/2019/12/12/comment-bible-needs-2nd-amendment-survive-nonsense/4383183002/

Dec. 6, 2019, 12:06 p.m.

Dec. 6, 2019, 12:04 p.m.

Dec. 6, 2019, noon

Dec. 6, 2019, 11:56 a.m.

Dec. 4, 2019, 12:54 p.m.

Dec. 3, 2019, 8 a.m.

See the article here:
'Good news' doesn't need guns to survive, thrive - The News Leader

RICHMOND, Va. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has responded to the trend of Virginia counties passing Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions ahead of next years General Assembly, saying they are being ginned up by the gun lobby and that any new gun laws passed will be enforced.

Following the Novembers election, which saw Democrats take control of both the state House and Senate, the expectation is lawmakers will pass a number of gun control measures in 2020 for Democratic Governor Ralph Northam to sign.

Northam has said that Democrats wouldstart with the legislationhe introduced for aspecial session on gun controlthis past summer. Republicans, who held the majority at the time, ended the session after 90 minutes.

In response to this expectation, Republican-leaning counties around Virginia havepassed resolutionsdeclaring themselvesto beSecond Amendment sanctuariesand voiced opposition to any future laws that may infringe upon Second Amendment rights.

Last week, Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun rights group, told CBS 6 in a statement that the flood of Second Amendment sanctuary localities across the state, and the massive crowds at those government meetings, is sending a message to the General Assembly that Virginia does not need any more unconstitutional gun control.

Speaking to CBS 6 on Wednesday, Herring said when the General Assembly passes gun control legislation those laws will be enforced.

The resolutions that are being passed are being ginned up by the gun lobby to try to scare people. What were talking about here are laws that will make our communities and our streets safer. Were talking about universal background checks, finally, maybe, Virginia will pass universal background checks to make sure that people who are dangerous, who are criminals and who arent permitted to buy guns, wont be able to buy guns, said Herring. So, when Virginia passes these gun safety laws that they will be followed, they will be enforced.

At least one Democratic lawmaker, Del. Jay Jones (D 89th) has said he wanted a formal opinion from Herring on the issue of Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions.In a tweet, Jones posted a letter addressed to Herring calling the issue a flashpoint across our state.

On Wednesday, when he spoke to CBS 6, Herring said his office had not officially received Del. Jones request, but would respond when they do.

Well get it when it comes in. Well take a look at it and well make an appropriate response, added Herring.

See the original post:
Virginia AG responds to 2nd Amendment sanctuary resolutions: Gun safety laws will be followed - WTKR News 3

Dozens of counties in Virginia have declared themselves "Second Amendment sanctuaries" in recent weeks afterDemocrats won control of the state legislature last month.

CNN reportedthat Surrey and Craig counties were among the latest to pass resolutions this week in support of Second Amendment rights, joining more than 40 other counties across the state.

The resolutions are not legally binding, CNN noted, and insteadserve as declarations of support for citizens to exercisethe right to carry weapons.

"The counties and gun groups are asking the jurisdictions and the commonwealth to support gun rights and their Second Amendment to make sure they [the state legislature] aren't going to do anything to take that away," Jonathan Lynn, county administrator and clerk of the Board of Surrey County, told the network.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) has alreadyvowed to reintroduce gun control legislationwhen lawmakers reconvene next year. He introduced the measure over the summer, but it went nowhere in the GOP-controlled legislature.

Northams proposal came during a special session on gun control after a mass shooting in Virginia Beach that claimed 12 lives.

Democrats in Virginia last month took control of the state legislature for the first time in more than 20 years, with many running on a platform calling for stricter gun control.

"These are people [gun owners] that were sleeping during the elections. That's the problem with a lot of gun owners, they tend to get complacent and think, 'oh okay, nothing bad is going to happen,'" Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, told CNN.

Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun-control group aligned with billionaire and Democratic presidential candidate Michael BloombergMichael Rubens BloombergThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by AdvaMed - House panel expected to approve impeachment articles Thursday Krystal Ball warns about lagging youth support for Buttigieg Bloomberg unveils proposal to increase earned income tax credit, federal funding for housing programs MORE, sank millions into Virginia in an effort to flip the state blue.

State Del. Kenneth Plum (D) has already filed a bill to institute universal background checks, legislation that will be considered during next years session.

"With the outcome of the election, the fear arose that we finally are going to pass common sense gun violence bills. This is reactionary from the other side," Plum told CNN. "They came up with the sanctuary city idea ... but its impact is unknown."

Plum added that to him it's unclear what the sanctuary part actually is.

Original post:
Dozens of Virginia counties declare themselves 'Second Amendment sanctuaries' after Democrats win state legislature | TheHill - The Hill

County supervisors in both Prince William and Fauquier counties are slated to vote on gun rights resolutions this week. But while the Prince William board will consider declaring the county a Second Amendment sanctuary, the Fauquier board has proposed a measure that affirms support for the Second Amendment while endorsing certain gun-safety initiatives.

Prince William supervisors are scheduled to vote Tuesday, Dec. 10, on a resolution similar to those passed by more than 20 Virginia localities. If approved, it would declare the county a Second Amendment sanctuary with the aim of restricting the use of county funds to enforce any new federal and state gun laws.

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring (D) said last week that Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions will have no legal effect whatsoever. An official opinion from the attorney general is expected in the coming days.

Fauquiers board will vote on a resolution Thursday, Dec. 12, to modify its legislative agenda to include several gun-safety measures and to state its support for the U.S. Constitutions Second Amendment.

The resolution calls on the General Assembly towaive the sales tax on gun safes and gun locks, strengthen penalties for adults who allow children unsafe access to guns, fund firearms safety training in schools and increase state funding for mental health screening and services. The measure also states the boards opposition to any legislation that would restore gun rights to convicted felons.

The Fauquier resolution, however, would not declare Fauquier County a Second Amendment sanctuary but instead reaffirms the oath taken by each supervisor to support all the provisions of the U.S. and Virginia constitutions.

Fauquier Board Chairman Chris Butler, R-Lee, did not immediately return calls for comment Monday.

It is not yet clear if Prince William Countys Republican-majority board will approve the proposed Second Amendment sanctuary resolution, which voices no support for proposed gun safety measures.

Board Chairman Corey Stewart, R-at-large, said Monday he isnt sure if it has the votes to pass.

I dont know if its going to pass and I dont know what the next board is going to do, Stewart said. The next board is going to have deal with it however they see fit, but theres no question that this cannot be ignored by this board or the next board because of the citizen demand.

Already, at least one of Prince Williams Republican supervisors, Ruth Anderson, has said she will not vote for the measure declaring the county a Second Amendment sanctuary.

I do not want to bring confusion to our police department in terms of enforcement of Virginia laws. However, I do want to state my support for the Second Amendment, Anderson said.

The remaining board members did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Large crowds are expected to show up in both counties to hear debate on the resolutions. Prince William County spokesman Jason Grant said extra seating will be provided in the lobby of the countys McCoart Administration building. Open carrying of firearms is permissible inside the building, Grant said.

Prince William County Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Jonathan Perok said the department is aware of the meeting but declined to say whether there would be an increased police presence.

Prince William Countys incoming board of supervisors, who take office Jan. 1, will havea 5-3 Democratic majority. The outgoing board has a 6-2 Republican majority. Chairman-elect Ann Wheeler (D) said the incoming board would repeal a resolution declaring the county a Second Amendment sanctuary as soon as possible, if it is approved by the outgoing board.

State Del. Elizabeth Guzman, D-31st, whose district includes parts of both Fauquier and Prince William counties, said she is committed to workingwith both Fauquier and Prince William counties boards of supervisors to address the residents concerns but stressed that any new laws passed by the incoming Democratic-majority General Assembly will be constitutional.

"I have always respected the rights of law-abiding gun owners, and the laws we will pass in Richmond this next legislative session will be fully compliant with the Virginia and U.S. constitutions, Guzman said in a statement.

Guzman went on to say that she shares many of the same priorities outlined in Fauquiers proposed resolution, including the need for additional mental health screening services, strong penalties for adults who allow children unsafe access to firearms and the need to waive the sales tax on gun safes and locks.

I am heartened that the Fauquier County board and I share many of the same priorities, Guzmans statement said. I agree with [Attorney General] Mark Herrings statements from last week where he mentioned that second amendment sanctuary resolutions have no legal effect whatsoever.

Reach Daniel Berti at dberti@fauquier.com

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Prince William to vote on '2nd Amendment sanctuary' measure, Fauquier takes a different tack - Prince William Times